Punjab

Lahore At A Glance

Lahore has been the capital of Punjab for nearly 1,000 years. Besides being the Mughal show-window, Lahore is the cultural, academic and intellectual centre of Pakistan. For 200 years, beginning from about 1525 AD, Lahore remained a thriving cultural centre of the great Mughal Empire, when the city was beautified with palaces, gardens, monuments and mosques. During the British regime, many monuments sprang up in Lahore which blended beautifully with the Mughal, Gothic and Victorian styles of architecture.

Legend has it that the city was founded by two sons of Rama about 4,000 years ago. Reminiscence of its hoary past are the remains of a subterranean temple (attributed to Rama, the legendary hero of Ramayana) found in the northern part of the Royal Fort. Historically, it has been proved that Lahore is about 2,000 years old. Hieun-tsang, the famous Chinese Pilgrim, has given a vivid description of Lahore city, which he visited in the early 7th century AD. Abu Rehan Al-Biruni, in his Tarikh-e-Hind, at the time of Mahmud Gazni's invasion, also mentioned Lahore in detail.

Lying on the main trade and invasion route through South Asia, Lahore has been ruled, built and plundered by a number of dynasties and hordes. From 1021 to 1186, it was governed by Mehmud of Ghazni and the Ghaznavid dynasty, then by Muhammad of Ghor and finally by the various Sultans of Delhi. However, it touched the zenith of its glory during the rule of the great Mughals (1524-1752), who were fond of art, architecture and culture and gave Lahore some of its finest monuments that are extant today.

Anarkali

Where to go in Lahore:

Allama Iqbal's Tomb
Outside the Badshahi Mosque, near its steps, lies the Tomb of Allama Iqbal, the poet-philosopher of the East. The mausoleum is a blend of Afghan and Moorish styles of architecture and is constructed entirely of red sandstone which was quarried and brought from Rajasthan.

Jehangir's Tomb
The tomb of the fourth great Mughal Emperor, Jehangir, lies three miles north-west of Lahore across the River Ravi. It has a majestic structure made of red sand-stone and marble. The outer entrance to the tomb opens out into a court-yard which was used as a caravan Serai during Mughal times. An entrance to the right leads into a Mughal garden with exact geometrical pattern balancing each side. The marble tomb is approached from four corridors leading from the garden.

Noor Jehan's Tomb
The Empress Nur Jehan, "Light of the World", was the only empress whose name appeared on the coins of the Mughal empire. She was buried in 1845 AD at Shahdara (Lahore) outside Jehangir's mausoleum across the railway line.

Qutub-ud-Din Aibak
He was appointed Governor of India in 1191 AD by Muhammad Ghauri. He established the Slave Dynasty on the death of Muhammad Ghauri in 1206 when he assumed independence of his reign and was followed by nine other slave kings. He was a patron of the building art and is known to have erected some monumental stone buildings in Delhi and elsewhere. A very avid player of polo, he died in Lahore in 1210 AD while playing the game. His tomb can be visited in Anarkali Bazaar.

Tomb of Asif Khan
In the courtyard near Jehangir tomb lies buried his brother-in-law, Asif Khan, father of Shah Jehan's beloved Queen Arjumand Bano. He lies in a tomb that today shows little of its former splendor.

Tomb of Asif Khan

Badshahi Masjid
The Imperial or the Badshahi Mosque is across the courtyard from Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort. The Mosque, which is made up entirely of red sandstone was built by Emperor Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughals, in a record time of two and-a-half years. Its construction was completed by 1674 AD.
It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers. The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.

Golden Mosque or Sunehri Masjid
The founder of the mosque was Nawab Shah Bhikari Khan, son of Raushan-ud-Daula Turrabaz Khan, deputy governor of Lahore during the reign of Muhammad Shah and the viceroyalty of Mir Noin-ul-Malik. Golden Mosque is situated in the Kashmiri Bazaar. It was built in 1753 AD. It is remarkably beautiful with three golden domes. The mosque is elevated on a higher plinth, surrounded by old bazaars. Because of its color the mosque glitters in the sunshine as if it is a golden miniature place to bow before the Almighty Allah.
It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers. The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.

Pearl Mosque
Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque, beyond the audience hall, was for the exclusive use of royal ladies. It is carved from marble having the luster of pearls. Nearby "Naulakha", a marble pavilion is inlaid with floral motifs and precious gems.

Wazir Khan's Mosque
Wazir Khan's Mosque is in the old city, 300 meters from Delhi Gate. This unique mosque is one of the most beautiful in Pakistan. It was built in 1634 by Hakim Ali-ud-din, popularly known as Wazir Khan, who was governor of the area during the reign of Shah Jahan. The Mosque is justifiably famous for the colorful fresco and tile decoration which adorns both the interior and exterior of the building.

Badshahi Mosque

Hiran Minar
Hiran Minar is set in peaceful environs near Lahore. Hiran means deer. It used to be favorite hunting sport of all Muslim kings, especially of Moghals. Jehangir erected this minaret to commemorate the death of his pet deer (Maans Raaj). It served a double purpose as from it top the hunters could locate the habitations of deers. It is a beautiful picnic as well as a historic spot. A high Bara Dari Ghat is constructed right in middle of a Talab. A man made big lake, boating facility is also available. A good garden lay out is surrounding the place.

Chhanga Manga
Chhanga Manga is a man-made forest 68 kms from Lahore. There is a lake, and a miniature railway, which winds its way through its forest. Chhanga Manga has 12,510 acres of plantations. It is a popular picnic spot spread over 50 acres with a lake and rowboats, motorboats, children's park, swimming pool, cafeteria, canteen and rest houses.

Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah was formerly known as Lawrence Gardens. It is opposite to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is amongst the biggest gardens of Lahore.

Jallo Park
The Park is 28 kms from Lahore. It can be visited by road and by rail. A rail car leaves for Jallo Railway Station every half hour. Spread over an area of 450 acres it has expanses of lawns, a forest research center, a children's park, zoo, a small museum and a gift shop.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park
Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Allama Iqbal Town.

Iqbal Park
Iqbal Park is around Minar-e-Pakistan.

Model Town Park
Model Town Park in Model Town.

Race Course Park
Situated on Jail Road, Race Course Park deservedly attracts not only town dwellers but visitors as well.

Fortress Stadium
The Fortress Stadium is an attempt to combine the architecture of a fort like Rohtas with a sports stadium. The Stadium is the site of the famous Horse and Cattle Show in March.

Hiran Minar

Lahore Museum
This museum was established during the British Raj in 1864. It displays a complete cross-section of the Culture and History of the region with rare and best collection of the Buddhist art from the Gandhara Period, Islamic artifacts, Calligraphy, Old Manuscripts, Arms, Costumes and Jewelry.

Fakir Khana Museum
A very large and interesting private Museum known as Faqirkhana lies inside the Bhatti Gate and is worth visiting. The museum houses a variety of old paintings, including some by great masters, original manuscripts in different languages and artifacts from South East Asia and the Indo-Pak sub-continent.

Shakir Ali Museum
This museum was actually Shakir's House at 93, Tipu Block, New Garder Town, Lahore, which he made for himself. After his death it was bought by Idara-I-Saqafat-e-Pakistan and formally turned into a museum on April 3rd, 1976. The idea behind it was not only to preserve the great artist's paintings and other masterpieces under one roof but also to open this combination of modern and traditional archietecture to the public.

Mughal Museum
Situated at Poonch house, Multan Road, Lahore it was established in 1950. This is an Industrial and commercial Museum, which is meant to depict country's economic resources both in the form of raw products and worked objects. Its collection is arranged in one gallery and one large hall of the building. The main hall displays a range of variety of material such as well plated musical instruments, table lamps of camel skin from Multan and Bhawalpur, cotton, silken-woolen and embroidered textiles from all important cites of Pakistan.

Flag Ceremony
Wagha is the only land border open between Pakistan and India (Lahore-Amritsar route).

This check-post is about 30 kms from Lahore and is the cross-over point for travelers into India by the land route. It is open daily to foreigners only (except Indian and Pakistani nationals) from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. PST
A daily Flag-lowering ceremony is simultaneously on Pakistan and India side at Sun-set. This half an hour ceremony is attended by a large number of citizens and tourists. This two hours excursion from Lahore can be arranged with the assistance of Tourist Information Centre

Overland Crossing

The Wagha border post is open daily for foreigners; Summer (16 April to 15 October) 08:30 to 14:30 hrs and Winter (16 October to 15 April) 09:00 to 15:00 hrs. Minibus No.12 leaves from outside Lahore Railway Station for Wagha every 15 minutes, costs approx. US$ 0.20 per person. Taxi shall charge around US$ 8 for this half an hour journey.

Lahore-Delhi Bus Service
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has started a luxury, direct bus service between Lahore and Delhi w.e.f. 16 March, 1999. The 43-seater, air-conditioned bus leave simultaneously from Faletti’s Hotel, Egerton Road, Lahore and Dr. Ambedkar Terminal, Delhi Gate, New Delhi on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 06:00 hours. One-way fare is equivalent to US$ 19 per person. The fare also includes cost of breakfast, lunch and evening tea enroute. Total travel time is 11 hours. For bookings and information, please contact PTDC office in Lahore (Tel:+92-42-6311961, 6363946-50 Fax:6364819 E-mail: ldp@ptdc.edunet.sdnpk.undp.org) and DTC office in Delhi (Tel:+91-11-3317445 Fax:3715877 E-mail:dtc@nde.vsnl.net.in).

The Lahore-Delhi (Samjhota Express) train leaves Lahore at 11:00 hrs on Mondays and Thursdays. Check-in time at Lahore Railway Station is 08:00 hrs. First Class fare to Delhi is approx.US$ 10, Economy Class is US$ 3 whereas Lahore-Amritsar First Class is US$ 2 and Economy Class is US$ 1 per person.(Note: The train may take almost 06 hours to reach Amritsar from Lahore, due to lenghty immigration/customs clearance and checking procedure for train passangers).

Lahore-Amritsar Bus Service (LABS)
The Lahore terminal for LABS is the same as for LDBS, whereas in Amritsar (India), it is located at the International Bus Terminal, G.T. Road (Tel:0183-2587070). The buses leave simultaneously from both the terminals at 09:00 hours on every Wednesday and Friday. The buses reach their destinations at around 12:00 noon on the same day. One way fare is Pak. Rs. 900/- per person and Rs.600 per child. Excess baggage is charged @ Rs.30 per kg.

Nankana Sahib-Amritsar Bus Service (NABS)
The NABS starts from PTDC Terminal near the Main Gate, Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Railway Road, Nankana Sahib (Tel: 0562-876780) and terminates at the International Bus Terminal, G.T. Road Amritsar (Tel:0183-2587070). The bus leaves from Nankana Sahib at 08:00 hours (Pakistan time) on every Tuesday and Saturday and arrives Amritsar at around 13:30 hours (India time). Departure from Amritsar is on every Wednesday and Friday. One way fare is Rs.1200/- per person and Rs.800/- per child. Excess baggage is charged @ Rs.50/- per kg.

Conducted Tours
There are morning and afternoon sightseeing tours and excursions in and around Lahore. For more information and advance reservation please contact PTDC Tourist information Centre Lahore. Tel: 042-5756737

Lahore

Sialkot:

Sialkot is a city situated in the north-east of the Punjab province in Pakistan at the foothills of the snow-covered peaks of Kashmir near the Chenab river. It is the capital of Sialkot District and, formerly, it has been the winter-capital of the State of Kashmir. The city is about 125 km (78 mi) north-west of Lahore and only a few kilometres from Indian-controlled Jammu. The recorded history of Sialkot covers thousands of years. Sialkot has, since its foundation, changed hands from Hindu, Buddhist, Persian, Greek, Afghan, Turk, Sikh and British rule to that of present-day Pakistan.

Sialkot International Airport
Tel: 0092-52-6633001-4
Fax: 0092-52-6633002-4
Email: info@sial.com.pk
Website: www.sial.com.pk

Sialkot

Taxila

Taxila is the abode of many splendid Buddhist establishments. Taxila, the main centre of Gandhara, is over 3,000 years old. Taxila had attracted Alexander the great from Macedonia in 326 BC, with whom the influence of Greek culture came to this part of the world. Taxila later came under the Mauryan dynasty and reached a remarkable matured level of development under the great Ashoka. During the year 2 BC, Buddhism was adopted as the state religion, which flourished and prevailed for over 1,000 years, until the year 10 AD. During this time Taxila, Swat and Charsadda (old Pushkalavati) became three important centers for culture, trade and learning. Hundreds of monasteries and stupas were built together with Greek and Kushan towns such as Sirkap and Sirsukh, both in The Gandhara civilization was not only the centre of spiritual influence but also the cradle of the world famous Gandhara culture, art and learning. It was from these centers that a unique art of sculpture originated which is known as Gandhara Art all over the world. Today the Gandhara sculptures occupy a prominent place in the museums of England, France, Germany, USA, Japan, Korea, China, India and Afghanistan, together with many private collections world over, as well as a vast collection in the museums of Pakistan. Buddhism left a monumental and rich legacy of art and architecture in Pakistan. Despite the vagaries of centuries, the Gandhara region preserved a lot of the heritage in craft and art. Much of this legacy is visible even today in Pakistan.

The modern town of Taxila is 35 km from Islamabad. Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around Taxila Museum. For over one thousand years, Taxila remained famous as a centre of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 kms around Taxila. Some of the most important sites are; Dhamarajika Stupa and Monastery (300 BC - 200 AD), Bhir Mound (600-200 BC), Sirkap (200 BC - 600 AD), Jandial Temple (c.250 BC) and Jaulian Monastery (200 - 600 AD).

The very earliest examples of Buddhist Art are not iconic but aniconic images and were popular in the Sub-continent even after the death of the Buddha. This is because the Buddha himself did not sanction personal worship or the making of images. As Siddhatha Guatama was a Buddha, a self-perfected, self-enlightened human being, he was a human role model to be followed but not idolized. Of himself he said, 'Buddha's only point the way'. This is why the earliest artistic tributes to the Buddha were abstract symbols indicative of major events and achievements in his last life, and in some cases his previous lives. Some of these early representations of the Buddha include the footprints of the Buddha, which were often created at a place where he was known to have walked. Among the aniconic images, the footprints of the Buddha were found in the Swat valley and, now can be seen in the Swat Museum.

When Buddha passed away, His relics (or ashes) were distributed to seven kings who built stupas over them for veneration. The emperor Ashoka was later said to have dug them out, and distributed the ashes over a wider area, and built 84,000 stupas. With the stupas in place, to dedicate veneration, disciples then initiated 'stupa pujas'. With the proliferation of Buddhist stupas, stupa pujas evolved into a ritual act. Harmarajika stupa (Taxila) and Butkarha (Swat) stupa at Jamal Garha were among the earliest stupas of Gandhara. These had been erected on the orders of king Ashoka and contained the real relics of the Buddha.

A museum comprising various sections with rich archaeological finds of Taxila, arranged in chronological order and properly labeled, has been established close to the site. It is one of the best and well-maintained site museums of Pakistan. Summer timings of the museum are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with two hours break. Winter timings are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., without break. The museum remains closed on the first Monday of every month and on Muslim religious holidays. Entry ticket costs Rs.4 per person for museum and Rs.4 per person for archaeological sites. PTDC has a Tourist Information Centre and a Motel with 7 rooms and restaurant facility, just opposite the Museum. There is a Youth Hostel nearby, offering accommodation for members of International Youth Hostels Federation (IYHF).

Taxila

Kallar Kahar Lake and Ketas Temples

The main attraction of the eastern Salt Range are the shrine of Saidan Shah at Choa Saidan Shah, the lake and shrine of Abdul Qadir Gilani at Kalar Kahar and the Hindu Temple Complex at Katas. Kallar Kahar is located about 135 km from Rawalpindi. The TDCP has built a six-room motel and restaurant overlooking Kallar Kahar (Salt Lake) with boating facilities. The Temple of Shiva at Katas (10th century AD) and other temples around Katas are valuable pieces of architecture and history.

Kalar Kahar

Khewra Salt Mines

The main centre of mining is Khewra in the Salt Range where the world's largest salt mines are located. Khewra salt mines are 154 kms away from Rawalpindi. The route is Mandra-Dudyal-Chakwal-Bhaun-Choa Saidan Shah-Khewra. A longer route is through Kallar Kahar-Katas. The nearest hotel accommodation is at TDCP resort Kallar Kahar. For permit to visit the mines and to book the accommodation at the PMDC Rest House at Khewra, you may contact their office in Islamabad at Plot No.13, H-9 (Manager Salt Tel: 250928-30) through PTDC Tourist Information Centres in Rawalpindi or Islamabad, at least 4 days in advance.

Khewra Salt Mosque

Rock Salt was already in use of the local population when in 326 BC, Alexander of Macedonia and his army camped along the Jehlum river about 35-40 kilometers away from Khewra waiting to fight a battle with Raja Porus across the river. Alexander’s horses started lick the rocks and thus the Greeks came to know about the Rock Salt deposits in this area. Since then, mining was done by the local Janjua tribes till the arrival of British in 1849. But it was not done on a scientific manner. The Salt was taken from the outcrop of the salt seams exposed to the surface of the hill. Dr. Warth, a British Mining Engineer laid out the main tunnel at ground level in 1872 to have an easy and direct access to the salt deposits, using Pillar and Chamber Method. The method of mining introduced by Dr. Warth is still in practice. Only 50% of salt is excavated from the working seam while the remaining 50% is left there as Pillars for support of the mine.

For more detailes

http://www.tourism.gov.pk/khewra_salt_mines_punjab.html

Multan

Location: North Latitude 29 -22 and 30 - 45 and East Longitude 71 - 4 and 72 - 55

Area: 45 square km

Population: 1,288,170 (1998 census)

Language: Urdu, Punjabi and Saraiki, English is spoken and understood by educated people.

Climate: Cold in winter and very hot in summer. The normal rainfall is about 6" during the monsoon from July to September.

Tourist Season: October to March

Wildlife: Fox, Jackal and wild boar. Amongst birds are grey and black partridges, sand-grouse visit the district in winter, quail, plover and pigeons are common.

Multan

Bahawalpur

Central Library
It is housed in a building having fine architectural value. The foundation stone of this building was laid by the then Governor and Viceroy of India Sir Rufus Daniel Issacs on 8 March, 1924 to mark the installation of late Nawab of Bahawalpur Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V. The Central Library was established in 1947 in this building. It gas a vast collection of books and rare manuscripts. It is one of the best libraries in Pakistan and visited by students and scholars from within the country and abroad.

Bahawalpur Museum
Bahawalpur has a modest museum with a fine collection of coins, medals, postage stamps of former State of Bahawalpur, manuscripts documents, inscriptions, wood carvings, camel skin paintings, historical models and stone carvings etc. of Islamic and pre-Islamic period. There is a complete set of medals of all classes issued by the ex-state to its military officers/civilians and to other important citizens of the ex-state.

Zoological Garden:
The Zoological Garden of Bahawalpur is considered to be one of the best in the country. Spread over an area of 25 acres of land, it has an interesting collection of 120 animals and 750 birds of tropical areas, particularly those found in this region. The zoo has the distinction of occasional breeding of lions and supply of beasts to other zoos in the country. It also has an aquarium and zoological museum with stuffed rare birds and animals.

Dring Stadium:
Bahawalpur has one of the finest Stadiums in the country having fine cricket grounds, two football grounds, one basketball court and six lawn tennis courts and a covered swimming pool. There is also a hockey stadium, which is considered to be the second best in the country after Karachi stadium. It can accommodate 13,000 people at a time.

Shrine of Muluk Shah:
The Shrine of Muluk Shah, a popular saint of his time, is located in the city and visited by devotees on every Thursday, Ashura and Eid days. A small fair is also held here annually.

Jamia Masjid Al-Sadiq:
It was made by the Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V at the elevation of more than 12 feet from earth. It can house 50,000 to 60,000 people at a time, during the Eid Festivals. It is a well reputed Mosque in Pakistan like other prominent Mosques of Pakistan.

Uch Sharif
Uch, 75 km from Bahawalpur, is a very old town. It is believed that it existed even in 500 B.C. Some historians believe that Uch was there even before the advent of Bikramajit when Jains and Buddhists ruled over the sub-continent. At the time of the invasion by Alexander the Great, Uch was under Hindu rule. Some historians say that Alexander came to Uch after conquering northern parts of India and spent over a fortnight in the city and renamed it Alexandria. Some have mentioned Uch by the name of Sikandara or Iskalanda. They have described it as the most flourishing and beautiful town perched upon the plateau near the confluence of the Chenab and Ravi rivers. Famous shrines existing at Uch include those of Hazrat Bahawal Haleem, Hazrat Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari, Makhdoom Jahanian Jehangasht, Bibi Jawandi and Shaikh Saifuddin Ghazrooni etc.

Uch is small town today and divided into three different quarters known as (i) Uch Bukhari, after Hazrat Syed Jalaluddin Bukhari Surkhposh, (ii) Uch Jilani, after the name of Hazrat Shaikh Mohammed Ghaus Qadri Jilani (Bandagi), who came from Halab in 887 A.H., and (iii) Uch Mughlan after the Mughal rulers.

Makhdoom Sahib of Uch Bukhari has some rare Islamic relics in his possession e.g., (i) turban of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.), (ii) a mantle of Prophet (p.b.u.h.), (iii) 'Samsan' (Sword) of Hazrat Imam Hasan, (iv) a cap and turban of Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani of Baghdad and (v) mantle of Hazrat Salman Farsi.

Makhdoom Sahib Uch Jilani is the custodian of (i) Holy Prophet's footprints (ii) a few chapters of the Holy Quran written by Hazrat Imam Hussain and (iii) a tooth of Hazrat Awais Qarni.

Lal Suhanra National Park: This park is ideal for recreation, education or research but shooting is forbidden. This park, 36 Km to the east of Bahawalpur, is a combination of a natural lake and forest on 77,480 acres of land and spread over on both sides of the Bahawal canal. It has watch-towers, catching ground, tourist huts, rest houses, camping grounds and treks for the visitors and lovers of nature. Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) owns and operates a Motel with six double rooms (A.C.) near the park (Ph. No. 0621-871144).

Wild Life: Hog deer, ravine deer, black buck and blue bull are common. Fox, Jackals, hares, porcupines, mongoose, arks, owls and hawks are also found. Wild boars are also found in large numbers in the forest areas.

Panjnad Head: The Punjnad Head Works is located 12 Km away from Uch Sharif where all the five rivers of Punjab meet. It is a nice picnic spot with scenic beauty.

Dera Nawab Sahib: It is 55 Km from Bahawalpur and the residental headquarters of the Nawabs of Bahawalpur. Almost every Nawab has built a palace for himself at this place. Sadiq Gargh palace built during the rule of Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV between 1882-1885 is the finest building there.

Forts: The old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 Km from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort are considered to be antiquities. A place outside the Marot Fort is known as 'Baithak Maula Ali'. The tomb of Naugaza is located in the Munde Sharif Fort.

Musafir Khana: It is 30 Km from Bahawalpur. It is said that there are seven tombs known as 'Ali Ashab'. These tombs are said to be of the companions of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). A fair is held in the village, in the month of Jeth (May) on Fridays in the month of 'Har' (June).

Other Shrines: Other shrines of Bahawalpur Division are that of Khawaja Noor Muhammad known as Qibla-e-Alam at Chishtian, Shrine of another saint at Chachran and the shrine of Hazrat Mohkam Din known as 'Sahib-us-Sair' (great traveller) at Khanqah Sharif, 20 Km from Bahawalpur.

Mosque at Bhong: Bhong is in Rahim Yar Khan district, about 200 Km from Bahawalpur. This mosque was built by Rais Ghazzi, a local landlord of Bhong. Gold leaves have been used for the intricate decorative work and stylish calligraphic work in the mosque, which has made it famous for its beauty.

Pattan Minara: Pattan Minara, eight kilometers east of Rahim Yar Khan railway station is an extensive site of ruins in the division. There is a tower in the centre of four similar smaller towers at this place, which are believed to form a Buddhist monastery.

Bhutta Wahan: Bhutta Wahan is 15 Km from Rahim Yar Khan. It is believed to be the brithplace of 'Sassi', one of the legendary lovers "Sassi and Punnu". It is also believed to be the birth place of "Abu-al-Fazal and Faizi," the sons of Mullah Mubarak and famous courtiers of Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. The legend has it, that if a women gives birth to a child at this place, the child is sure to get the fame of a statesman like Abu-al-Fazal, scholar like Faizi or a lover like "Sassi". But nobody knows the sacred place precisely

Bahawalpur

Cholistan

Cholistan is locally known as Rohi. This famous desert is 30 Km from Bahawalpur and comprises of an area of 16,000 sq.km. which extends upto the Thar desert extending over to Sindh. The word Cholistan is derived from 'Cholna' which means moving. The people of Cholistan lead a semi-nomadic life, moving from one place to another in search of water and fodder for their animals.

Cholistan

Murree

They are a series of wonderful Hill-resorts on the ridge between Murree and Abbottabad and are more attractive than other cities. Murree is a very popular hill station about 50 km north of the capital Islamabad while Abbottabad is a city in NWFP province with a very British atmosphere. However, between them is a wonderful road which has been fully repaired from being the "highway to hell" to being an excellent 2 lane road and protection on the sides. The main tourist stay on this road is the town of Nathia Gali and the resort of Ayubia. Nathia Gali is known as the City of Fog for it can get very foggy here. The usual definition of fog doesn't stand here.

Fog means visibility reduced to 1 km here fog mean visibility reduced to a few feet. Also, this area receives the highest rainfall in Pakistan and it always seems to be raining here (which is very good). But the main beauty of this area isn't high mountains, it's the greenery. Lush green hills and mountains with wonderful pine trees. The wild life of this area is pretty good. There is no place in this area where you won't find monkeys, real free monkeys. They are everywhere, in your hotel lobby windows, in the open barbecue, on the road; just everywhere you cannot miss them. The area is just brilliant with good hotels and all facilities. By the way, it can get pretty cool out here even in the summers so bring something warm.